Separate southern Illinois house fires kill 2

WALTONVILLE, Ill. — Authorities are trying to figure out what caused two deadly house fires just hours apart in southern Illinois.

Jefferson County Coroner Eddie Joe Marks says 53-year-old Frank Horton was found dead early Thursday in his Waltonville home, where the legally blind victim was alone.

More than three hours later in Franklin County, Benton Fire Chief Gary Kasper says a house fire killed 56-year-old Joni Ziegler. Her son managed to escape the fire.

Coroner Marty Leffler says Ziegler's body was found in a bedroom.

Funeral arrangements are pending.